Frank could install any type of floor which brings me to the point of this post. There are many reputable installers in the business who can install just about any type of floor and have the necessary training and tools to do quality work. But there are many more carpet installers than hard surface installers. With the resurgence of hardwood and tile floors, some very good carpet installers are doing work in which they are not properly trained nor have the required equipment. Because of the state of the economy, the same can be said about hard surface installers. They’re not going to turn down a carpet job if they are only booked about half the time.
My experience shows that about 85% of all consumer complaints for the failure of a floor covering is installation related. Whether the dealer sold a product not suitable for a particular application or a non-qualified installer was given the job.
OK, you are a dealer. You have an emergency situation. You are overbooked for your normal crews and need an installer. How do you know the person you are going to send is competent? He’s clean cut, has a new van, and he’s articulate. Does that qualify him? Hardly. So what is the answer? There is a new service in town or should I say the country.
When I attended the trade shows that Shaw and Mohawk held in Atlanta, I noticed a booth set up called “InstallerPool.com”. I first noticed at Shaw. Then later in the day I noticed the booth at Mohawk’s show. Being as curious as I am, I wondered over to check it out. I spoke with a gentleman named Aaron Johnson of Knoxville, TN. He explained the concept to me and shortly into the conversation I knew this could be a great service.
The concept is simple. installers sign up at installerpool.com list all their specialities, their equipment, etc. When a dealer needs an installer, they go to the website and sees a list of installers in their area. Dealer interaction with installerpool.com is critical. The installers are rated by all sorts of categories, such as quality of work, on time appointments, appearance, etc.
If a dealer who participates always rates the installer by all the categories, when that critical job comes up, there will be no guess work. There will be a rating provided by other dealers as to the qualification and level of craftsmanship a particular installer exhibits. Frankly, I am excited about this concept and really hope that all dealers embrace it.
For a more in depth presentation go to http://www.installerpool.com/ . I am not affiliated in any fashion with installerpool.com. I just like the idea and thought I would tell you about it.
